Spark Admissions
in the News

Redfin featured Spark Admissions in its recent article about what makes Boston arguably one of the best cities in the U.S.

July 21, 2020 | Dr. Rachel Rubin comments on the shifting role of online schools in the college admissions process in light of the transition to virtual learning due to COVID-19.

August 27, 2019 | Dr. Rachel Rubin weighs in on ethical standards and best practices for families working with a college admissions advisor.

July 9, 2018 | Dr. Rachel Rubin comments on the role of “dean’s lists” or “development lists” at selective colleges and universities including Harvard.

June 21, 2017 | Rachel Blankstein offers insight into the factors at play in Harvard’s decision to rescind offers to incoming freshmen on the basis of their social media activity.

December 15, 2015 | Dr. Rachel Rubin adds context to new data that shows most college-bound Massachusetts students choose four-year schools within a few hours of home.

September 17, 2015 | Rachel Blankstein provides expert perspective on selecting and working with tutors to prepare for the Medical College Admission Test.

April 2, 2014 | Dr. Rachel Rubin comments on the rarity of a high school senior’s feat of gaining acceptance to all eight Ivy League schools.

December 3, 2012 | CNN examines the role college admissions consultants play in helping international students navigate the unfamiliar terrain of the U.S. college application process.

November 26, 2012 | Rachel Rubin comments on international admissions trends and the growing popularity of U.S. colleges among students from mainland China.

April 12, 2012 | A new study from Rachel Rubin found that when it comes to selecting an incoming freshman class, some schools are much more holistic than others.

April 9, 2012 | Rachel Rubin’s groundbreaking study examines how the nation’s 75 most selective colleges and universities make admissions decisions.

April 10, 2012 | A new survey of admissions officials at the 75 most competitive colleges and universities finds distinct patterns that differentiate some holistic colleges from others.

April 9, 2012 | Christopher Shea breaks down recent research—including a new study by Rachel Rubin—on how elite colleges in the U.S. and Europe make admissions decisions.

April 9, 2012 | A study of competitive colleges finds admissions policies look different at different colleges—and some kinds of applicants may compete only against each other.